Archive for June, 2008

Happy and got what they wanted

Published on June 28, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A

* Abbreviated program before Diamondbacks’ baseball in Miami

* Friday’s show was dominated by yesterday’s NBA draft.

* Mission Accomplished? The Suns are happy about the two players they drafted last night (Robin Lopez and Goran Dragic). Gambo likes the Lopez pick because he will help out defensively-especially with the Suns Achilles heel- the pick-and-roll. Ash is willing to be patient with Lopez, but still isn’t enamored with the pick. Both are anxious to see what Alando Tucker can do next season. Gambo is reporting the Suns might bring in veteran Tryonn Lue to back-up Steve Nash until Dragic is ready. Other options are Chris Duhon (G&A’s #1 choice) and Anthony Johnson. Ash would love to see Phoenix continue to pursue Blazers’ swingman Martell Webster.

Next week: Gambo on vacation

Monday: Everyone’s favorite beat writer, Paul Coro from The Arizona Republic

Draft Extravaganza

Published on June 27, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Thursday on G&A

* Draft Options- The Suns are just hours away from the draft and Gambo thinks the Suns might look to Stanford center Robin Lopez. Ash doesn’t like this pick because he wonders how serious either of the Lopez twins are about playing basketball. Gambo likes the high-energy and defensive presence that Lopez would bring. G&A debated whether the Suns would be better off with a “safer” pick, like Lopez or Brandon Rush, or a more athletic project like Anthony Randolph. G&A debated the trickle-down effect from the Shawn Marion-Shaq trade.

Suns Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations David Griffin joined the guys to give us an up-close look at tonight’s draft and share his thoughts on who the club might select with the 15th overall pick.

G&A also caught up with Bill Cartwright. The former 3-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls is now a member of Terry Porter’s first coaching staff with the Suns. Mr. Bill discussed playing with the great Michael Jordan and how he can help mentor Amare Stoudemire and even, Shaquille O’Neal, defensively.

No Bats- The Diamondbacks get shutout in Boston. G&A rip the struggling Eric Byrnes for swinging at a 3-0 pitch last night at Fenway. Byrnes was 1-13 during the 3-game series. Both agree nobody feels worse about the struggles than Byrnes himself. Gambo feels the weak NL West is masking many of the Diamondbacks’ issues.

In the Sports 620 KTAR Draft Extravaganza G&A caught up with Suns coach Terry Porter and the Suns’ 1st-round pick, the before mentioned Robin Lopez.

 
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Should Qualls still be the D-Backs’ set-up man?

Published on June 25, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Wednesday on G&A…

Short show today before Diamondbacks’ baseball in Boston

No Relief. The D-Backs lose a heart-breaker at Fenway last night as Chad Qualls continues to struggle. G&A agree it’s time for BoMel to look at other options for Qualls’ usual late-inning situations. Gambo thinks Qualls lost his concentration last night after Lowell’s two-run double tied the game. Both feel BoMel might think about turning to the reliable Brandon Lyon earlier if the right situation presents itself.

D-Backs’ skipper Bob Melvin checked in for his weekly segment. BoMel said he still has faith in Qualls and the bullpen will certainly need him down the stretch. He also explained why Eric Byrnes has been leading off (“our Energizer Bunny” as he put it) and how the team will approach knuckleballer Tim Wakefield tonight.

#15. We are one day away from the draft. Gambo is reporting the Suns have been trying to move up from number 15, but have not found any suitors, as of yet. Ash is praying the Suns don’t take Stanford’s Robin Lopez or Brandon Rush from Kansas. Gambo would love to see the Suns take a shot and draft Courtney Lee- even though he is not predicted to go until late in the 1st round. Ash likes Ryan Anderson from Cal. Both love Chris Douglas-Roberts from Memphis. The verdict is still out on last year’s 1st-round pick, Alando Tucker.

Tomorrow: full show with your complete NBA draft coverage

 
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Big win in Beantown

Published on June 25, 2008 in Show recap. 1 Comment

Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A

* Abbreviated show before Diamondbacks’ baseball in rainy Boston

* President Bush-cherd- The World Champion Phoenix Mercury visited The White House yesterday and “W” welcomed the Mighty Merc with open arms. Too bad he didn’t know how to pronounce the best player’s name (Diana Tur-e-see?). G&A pile-on Bush for not doing his homework and for the ridiculous gas prices.

* Big Win In Beantown- The D-Backs’ snapped their 3-game losing streak with a dramatic 2-1 win over the Red Sox at Fenway. Gambo called it the best win of the year. Ash thinks Dan Haren proved his worth last night beating Boston ace Josh Beckett. Both agree Eric Byrnes is still slumping-even after missing the past 25 games.

* Starting 2nd baseman for the Boston Red Sox, reigning American League Rookie of the Year, and former Arizona State star Dustin Pedroia checked in to discuss his second season with the Sox and facing the Diamondbacks again this afternoon at Fenway. Pedroia is hitting .282 and leads Boston in hits (89) and doubles (22).

* Our ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian joined the guys for his weekly segment to discuss Dan Haren out-dueling Josh Beckett last night at Fenway, the uncertain future of Curt Schilling, and the fast-approaching trade deadline.

Shaq-Kobe Feud- People are still buzzing over Shaq calling out Kobe at a New York City club this past weekend. Gambo still thinks Shaq craves attention as much, or more, than any other professional athlete. Ash dug up some other athletes who have “dabbled” in music. They included Oscar de la Hoya, Tony Parker, and even Kobe Bryant himself. Gambo wrote and produced his own Shaq rap, not coming to a store near you.

Tomorrow we’ll joined by D-Backs’ skipper Bob Melvin.

 
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Will the Suns shake things up on Draft Day?

Published on June 18, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Monday on G&A

Abbreviated show before Diamondbacks-Red Sox baseball at Fenway Park

Suns Shopping. Rumors circulating say the Raptors and Suns are talking about a TJ Ford and the 17th overall pick in exchange for Boris Diaw. Gambo thinks the Suns should jump at this deal, not necessarily for TJ Ford, but for the value of the draft pick and getting the overpaid and unmotivated Diaw out of town and off the books. G&A are amazed there is a Tayshaun Prince for Diaw rumor floating around, as well. Both wonder why Joe Dumars would be so stupid. One rumor Ash likes is Martell Webster and the 13th pick for Leandro Barbosa. Ash thinks LB could be a 20-point a game scorer on a bad team.

Bringing in Big Tex? The Diamondbacks are struggling. They desperately need a big bat in the middle of the lineup. One guy that would fit that profile is Braves’ 1st baseman Mark Teixiera-the same guy they made a play for last year before the deadline. Teixiera’s contract balloons next season-that’s the main reason Atlanta is looking to move him. Gambo confirmed the Braves would want Conor Jackson and others (Max Scherzer) back in the deal. Ash would like to see the Dbacks keep CoJack. Both agree Scherzer is nearly untouchable. Regardless, G&A agree the young Dbacks’ hitters (Young, Upton, etc) need to get right…quickly. Gambo thinks Rick Schu’s job should be in jeopardy.

Kobe Called Out. Shaq called out Kobe Bryant during a New York City club free-styling rap last night. G&A agree it is quite funny, but feel Shaq needs to again prove it on the court. Gambo thinks Shaq needs to spend a little more time getting in shape and little less time celebrating the fact that Kobe was denied another ring.

Tomorrow we’ll be joined by ESPN baseball analyst Tim Kurkjian

Does Schilling belong in Cooperstown?

Published on June 17, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A…

Abbreviated, but jam-packed show leading into D-Backs baseball in Minnesota.

A Curt Farewell? The guys opened the show with the big news out of Boston that Curt Schilling is done for the season, and perhaps for the rest of his career. But is it a Hall of Fame career? Whom better than Schilling himself to answer that question. That’s right, Schilling was an impromptu guest on G&A and he told Ash he does not feel he has Hall credentials. Schilling also would not elaborate on which team he identifies his career with the most (or which hat he would wear in the Hall, should he get there). Philadelphia (believe or not) was the implicit choice, as he talked at length about his days as a Phillie, while simply mentioning his stops here and in Boston. (The only two places he won a championship, by the way.) A true contrarian that Schilling.

New/Old Assistant. Terry Porter’s staff is complete, with the biggest name being “Thunder” Dan Majerle. Majerle joined G&A to discuss his new gig. Gambo thinks he will bring some grittiness and toughness to the Suns. (You listening Boris Diaw?) Like Steve Kerr, Majerle’s familiarity with Porter as a former teammate helped him land the gig. OK, actually it was Porter’s familiarity with Kerr that got him his gig. But you get the point.

Last but not least was the last appearance of Tim Legler for the 2007-8 NBA season. Legs thinks the Lakers lack of a low-post presence was their undoing in the end, but was not surprised to see an Eastern Conference team end up with the title. He also feels there’s a misconception about the West being the superior conference. It may be superior in terms of depth, but not in terms of the two or three teams sitting on top.

Monday’s show: The return of E….

 
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A new era for the Celtics?

Published on June 17, 2008 in Danny Ainge, Rajon Rondo and Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Wednesday on G&A

Number 17. The Celtics wrapped us their 17th world title last night blowing out the punchless Lakers in Boston. G&A agree the C’s are the front-runner to repeat next year. Gambo loved the way the Celtics’ fans gave it to the Lakers all last night. Ash hated KG’s rather strange, sometimes inaudible post-game. G&A discussed what types of changes the Lakers might make this summer. Both feel the Lakers will bounce back next season, especially with a healthy Andrew Bynum.

G&A caught up with the general manager of the World Champion Celtics, Danny Ainge. The former Suns’ coach said he took greater pride winning an NBA title as the GM than he ever did as a player. He conveyed it took a total team and organization effort to bring home the C’s 17th title. Ainge also discussed the trade that turned around the face of the Celtics- getting Kevin Garnett from the Timberwolves last summer.

We were also joined by Celtic point guard Rajon Rondo. The one-time 21st overall pick in the 2006 draft by the Suns helped the C’s beat the Lakers last night to claim another title. Rondo scored 21 points, dished out 8 assists, and grabbed 7 rebounds in the Game 6 clinching win.

No Bats. Bob Melvin said on his weekly show this afternoon that the lack of punch at the plate is the biggest problem with the slumping Dbacks. Gambo doesn’t think the D-Backs’ hitters are patient enough at the plate judging from how deep opponents’ starters have gone over the past couple weeks.

Talented Oakland A’s centerfielder and one-time prized Diamondback prospect Carlos Gonzalez joined the show. He was part of the Dan Haren trade this past off-season checks in to discuss playing for his new team against his old organization this week at Chase Field. Gonzalez’s first seven career hits were doubles.

A Tiger-less Tour. Tiger Woods announced today he is having knee surgery and is done for the 2008 season. Gambo thinks this is terrible news for the sport of golf and this will severely hurt TV numbers across the board-especially for the upcoming British Open. Ash thinks this will push the casual golf fan away until Edrick returns. He also thinks this is the time for Phil Mickelson to step up his game during Tiger’s absence.

Tomorrow: short show after matinee baseball at Chase Field.

Guests: ESPN NBA analyst Tim Legler

 
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The Suns form their cabinet

Published on June 17, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Tuesday on G&A…

Sore Thumbs. Gambo’s daughter is at it again. Just months after accruing 13,600 text messages in a single billing cycle, the number jumped to an astonishing 22,090 this past month. If you’re counting, that’s approximately one text message every two minutes. Ash won the award for coming closest without going over (“Price is Right” style). Gambo feels he’s failing as a parent. Ash agrees.

Mr. Bill. Gambo reported the Suns are interviewing Bill Cartwright for one of their vacant assistant coaching positions. G&A agree Cartwright would be a solid hire for Terry Porter. Dan Majerle, Tom Chambers, and Jeff Hornacek are also being considered for Porter’s staff.

More Money, More Problems. Javon Walker is sitting in a Las Vegas hospital today after being assaulted and robbed after a night of partying which included spraying several bottles of champagne at Body English. Ash wonders what how Walker could let this happen after seeing former Bronco teammate Darrent Williams die in his arms just a couple years ago. Gambo says this is another lesson-learned for professional athletes who aren’t more careful in public.

Benedict Becky! WNBA player and South Dakota native Becky Hammon is going to be playing in the Olympics- for Russia. Hammon says she simply wants to win a Gold Medal. G&A wonder what in the world Hammon is thinking. She has no connection to Russia. Both agree this story borders on embarrassing and Hammon is an unpatriotic sell-out.

Our ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian checked in to discuss the latest Diamondbacks’ slump, the Mets overnight dumping Willie Randolph, and Hank Steinbrenner’s outspoken comments following Chien-Ming Wang’s foot injury running the bases.

Wonderboy? Hank Steinbrenner is in and George Steinbrenner is out…well, sort of. Hank wants to stop seeing pitchers hit in interleague play after star pitcher Chien-Ming Wang recently injured his foot running the bases. Ash thinks Hank should just shut his mouth. Gambo likes the current set-up with the difference in leagues.

The oldest living ex-major league baseball player Bill Werber shared stories of playing with such legends like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, and Lefty Grove. He played 11 years in the big leagues. He will turn 100 Friday.

The new coach of the Chicago Bulls Vinny Del Negro joined the show to discuss his decision to leave the Suns’ front office and head to The Windy City in hopes of turning the Bulls back into contenders.

Tomorrow we’ll joined by A’s center fielder Carlos Gonzalez, D-Backs’ skipper Bob Melvin, and ASU AD Lisa Love.

 
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Tiger’s greatest Major win yet?

Published on June 16, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what happened Monday on G&A.

Eye of the Tiger. Tiger Woods defeated Rocco Mediate in a sudden-death playoff to win the US Open title this afternoon at Torrey Pines. Gambo thinks Tiger Woods IS golf. He feels no one person carries their sport like the great Eldrick Woods. Gambo wonders if some of the people who attended yesterday’s final round felt cheated because the winner wasn’t decided. Ash thinks people are just fine with having it end a day late. Ash loves the fact that it took 19 extra holes to crown a champion. G&A debated if this was Tiger’s greatest Major win-to-date. Gambo thinks his generation never cared about golf, but the younger generation does because of Tiger.

LA Still Alive. The Lakers extended the series to at least six games with a victory last night at Staples Center. Gambo is hoping for a LA victory tomorrow in Boston to extend it to a full seven games. Ash just wants a Boston victory to shut the Lakers’ fans up once and for all. Both agree Kobe must really step up his game tomorrow. Has this series lived up to the seemingly-endless hype? Both agree we are still waiting for a “classic” Celtics-Lakers moment. The guys took calls. The Lakers’ fans came out in full force.

Top Heavy. The Diamondbacks suffered an awful weekend series loss Kansas City at Chase Field. Gambo is concerned with the bottom half of the starting rotation-particularly Micah Owings and Randy Johnson. Ash is more concerned with Owings than The Big Unit. Gambo feels just the opposite. Both agree Bob Melvin’s squad has major issues (pitching, hitting, defense, etc) right now and losing two of three to the lowly Royals certainly didn’t help.

Tomorrow we’ll be joined by ESPN baseball insider Tim Kurkjian

Who’s right? Harris or the Navy

Published on June 14, 2008 in Show recap. 0 Comments

Here’s what went down Friday on G&A

* One Win Away - The Celtics are on the verge of winning the 2007-08 NBA title following last night’s dramatic come-from-behind win at Staples Center. The Lakers are done and Ash is happy about it. Gambo feels Eddie House’s two 3-pointers were critical in the comeback. He also can’t see the series making it back to Boston for a Game 6-unless Kobe goes crazy Sunday night. Both agree this would be a different series with a healthy Andrew Bynum. Gambo has a new-found respect for the skill level of Paul Pierce.

* Curveball - Pitcher Mitch Harris was just drafted by St. Louis Cardinals out of Navy. The Naval Academy is not allowing Harris to play baseball, but instead fulfill his 5-year commitment. He wants to play. Who is right in this case-Harris or the Navy? Ash thinks Harris needs to follow David Robinson’s lead and serve his country. Gambo thinks if he does somehow get out of his commitment, the Navy will not make it easy.

* Former 2-time NBA Champ, 4-time All-Star, and Detroit Piston “Bad Boy” Bill Laimbeer is now the head coach of the Detroit Shock who play the Phoenix Mercury tomorrow at US Airways Center. Laimbeer played 14 years in the NBA and became the 19th player in league history to amass 10,000 points and 10,000 rebounds. He said he doesn’t care who wins the NBA title because he hates both teams.

* Viva Viagra! - Athletes are turning to Viagra for a competitive edge serving as a “performance-enhancing drug.” Athletes are now popping Viagra at an alarming rate. Teams are not testing for this. Ash wonders how Viagra would give you any sort of an advantage. He also understands why Rafael Palmeiro once endorsed the product. Gambo thinks the temptation of lucrative long-term contracts drives athletes to get any “edge” they can.

* We were joined by D-Backs’ closer Brandon Lyon who picked up his second win of the season in yesterday’s dramatic 5-4 10-inning win over the Mets at Shea. Lyon’s ERA dropped to 1.29 following his two scoreless innings in New York.

 
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